ECO TOURISM & NATURE
When Marco Polo travelled through Myanmar in 13th
century and he described Myanmar as the extensive
jungle in which numerous elephants, unicorns and
other wild animals were living. Myanmar is rich in
natural resources, including forestry. Over 60 % of
Myanmar area is covered by forests. There are
several kinds of living beings in these forests,
such as more than 250 species of mammals, 600
species of birds, 200 species of reptiles and 70 of
amphibians. 32 species of them are endangered
species. Now a day the government has preserved
almost 50000 square kilometers of the natural forest
for wildlife animals and trees. The followings are
some of the national parks;
Alongdaw Kathapa National Park
It is situated in Sagaing division and 981 miles
far from Yangon. The area of this park is 620 square
miles. The ecosystem of plants and animals can be
studied in this park. Some wildlife animal such as
tiger, elephant, sambur, deer, bear, wild boar,
jungle cat and many kinds of birds are living there.
This wildlife sanctuary is started ii 1941 and
opened in 1984.
Natma taung (Mt. Vitoria) National Park
This park is located in Chin state and 279 acres
wide. Mt. Victoria is 3053 meters high. The main
tourism site of this park is to mountaineering and
to enjoy the natural beauty of the western part of
Myanmar. On the way to the peak of Mt. Victoria some
Chin villages can be visited.
Sein-Ye Camp
It is located in Oaktwin Township, Bago division
and established in 1996. The natural teak forests
can be found there and the production of teak wood
with the help of elephant can also be seen. There
are some wildlife animals in this camp.
Moeyungyi Wet Lands
It is situated in Waw townships, Bago division.
The area of this land is 40 square miles and 70
miles far from Yangon. This land is for special
observation to migratory of birds from the northern
countries in winter season. More than 70 species of
birds inhabit in this land.
Hlawga Wildlife Park
This Park is located in Mingaladon townships,
Yangon division and only 22 mile away from Yangon.
It was established for environmental educational
center. Some wildlife species of mammals, reptiles
and birds are kept in a natural condition in this
Park.
National Botanical Garden
It is situated in Pyin Oo Lwin, 50 miles from
Mandalay. And it was established in 1915 for the
recreation of the public. There are 344 species of
forest trees, 42 species of orchids, 25 species of
rose, 6 species of lily and also a few numbers of
local birds, reptiles, small mammal species and
insects in this Garden.
Shwesettaw Wildlife Park
It is situated in Minbu townships, Magwe
division. It was established since 1940 with the
area of 214 square miles. Bear, gaur, barking deer,
wild boar and various kinds of wild cats, dogs and
birds, and the rare star tortoise can be seen in
this Park.
